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Diploma

WSQ Diploma in Adult and Continuing Education (DACE)

Programme Fees:

S$2,985.30 w/GST

Singaporean

S$2,985.30 w/GST

Permanent Resident

S$9,951.00 w/GST

Others

Diploma

Qualification

212.0 Hours

Duration

REGISTER FOR PREVIEW SCHEDULE / APPLY

 

Overview



Interested in developing competency-based curriculum and courseware, but don’t know where to start? The WSQ Diploma in Adult and Continuing Education (DACE) (2nd version) programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to conduct training needs analysis in an actual organisational setting, and employ effective instructional design strategies in the development of curricula and assessments.

Through the programme’s practicum component you will be able to apply learnt theoretical concepts to an organisation, and hone your instructional design and development skills. As part of the programme curriculum, you will also have the option to gain additional knowledge in one of these specialised design and development areas: Assessment and Evaluation, E-learning, or Workplace Learning and Training.

The programme is also a requirement for instructional designers looking to develop courseware for WSQ programmes. 

 

Learning Outcome


Graduates will be able to:

  • Foster curriculum design sensibilities, and be able to access big-picture curriculum considerations before embarking on a courseware development assignment
  • Be adept in a wide range of instructional strategies through knowledge and application of learning strategies for different types of knowledge and skills acquisition
  • Craft valid and reliable assessment criteria and specifications and be competent assessment developers
  • Develop as reflective practitioners who will continually engage in activities to professionally upgrade themselves
  • Apply their learning in real-time workplace projects

 

Who Should Attend
 

  • Adult educators with a keen interest in learning and assessment design and development,
  • New and practising curriculum developers who need to design courseware within the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework,
  • Professionals from a wide range of industries with subject matter expertise in a specific domain (e.g. from retail to healthcare to manufacturing) who also take on instructional design and assessment design functions in their workplace.

 

Modules & Schedule


Learners need to complete five core modules and select one out of three elective tracks for the programme. Electives are pre-determined to their cohorts. There is no switching of electives between cohorts once the programme has commenced.

Core Modules (CM)

Module Module Name Training(hour) Assessment (hour) Credit Values Module Description

CM1

Develop Practice Through Reflection (RP)

9

1

1

Learners are introduced to the practice of reflection as a means of enhancing their lifelong professional development. The tools introduced include Reflective Journaling and Critical Friendships. The skills developed here will be used throughout the programme.

CM2

Review Competency-Based Training Approaches for Adult Workers (CBT) 

15

0.5

2

This module examines the place of CBT in the Singapore economy, and also surveys the adoption of other CBT approaches globally. It then analyses the implications and impact of CBT in Singapore.

CM3

Conduct a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) 

18

1

2

In this module, learners will learn the steps required in undertaking a training needs analysis. It explores when a training needs analysis may or may not be applicable in the light of business goals and the context for training.

CM4

Develop Curriculum and Instruction for Adult Learning Programme (DCI)

69

1

7

Learners are taken through the process of developing effective courseware that is aligned to a sound curriculum design, using concepts like curriculum models and instructional design principles.

CM5

Develop and Review Competency-based Assessment (AD)

35

1

4

This module prepares learners in developing and evaluating assessment methods and tools using concepts like principles of assessment and rules of evidence.

Total 

146

4.5

16

Practicum

Learners embark on a real work-based project with their practicum host organisation (*PHO) to conduct a training needs analysis, design a curriculum document and develop courseware and assessment.

 

Elective Tracks (EM) - Select 1 out of 3 tracks

Elective Track 1 (T1): Assessment and Evaluation (2 Modules)
Module Module Name Training(hour) Assessment (hour) Credit Values Module Description

EM1

Develop Assessment Tools

30

1

3

This module continues from CM5 Develop and Evaluate Assessment (AD) to take participants through a deeper examination of assessment issues, guided by further practice in the design of assessment.

EM2

Evaluate an Adult Learning Programme

30

1

3

Participants will develop a plan to evaluate training programmes in the context of organisational development. As part of the process, they are expected to design and develop an instrument for data collection and prepare an evaluation report.

Total 

60

2

6

Elective Track 2 (T2): e-Learning (1 Module)

 

Note: Attendance for EM3 will be taken from classroom training sessions only. The E-learning sessions are mostly self-directed activities except for 2 sessions where synchronous activities will be arranged by the facilitator. This will be communicated during class.
Module Module Name Training(hour) Assessment (hour) Credit Values Module Description

EM3

Design and Develop an e-Learning Programme

50

1

6

In this module, participants will acquire techniques and steps in conceptualising e-learning programmes, through examining the various types of e-learning environments and their impact on the e-learning process.

Total 

50

1

6

Elective Track 3 (T3): Workplace Learning and Training (2 Modules)
Module Module Name Training(hour) Assessment (hour) Credit Values Module Description

EM4

Develop a Workplace Learning Plan

15

0.5

3

This module equips participants with the skills to incorporate relevant workplace learning strategies in the design, development and evaluation of a workplace learning plan to meet the needs of different organisations.

EM5

Develop an On-the-Job Training Programme

24

0.5

3

In this module, participants will examine the characteristics of OJT, then plan, develop, review and evaluate an On-the-Job (OJT) programme to meet organisational needs, through developing OJT blueprints and materials accordingly.

Total 

39

1

6

 

Delivery Mode


The programme is practice-oriented, competency-based and emphasises leveraging on technology in teaching and learning.

Learners will attend face-to-face classroom training for the designated hours for each module, supplemented by technology where appropriate. During training, learners will:

  • Engage in discussions and a wide range of facilitated activities
  • Receive hands-on training on the use of technology tools
  • Gather evidence for their e-portfolio by taking photographs of the activities and records of discussions
  • Receive and share feedback on their learning and skills during facilitated activities


Learners will:

  • Embark on a work-based assignment (practicum project) and will practice their design and development skills in Training Needs Analysis (TNA), curriculum design, courseware development and assessment development
  • Be required to engage with technology by maintaining a reflective e-portfolio, submit assignments and participate in blended-learning experiences
  • Develop curriculum, courseware and assessment in a competency-based context.
Note: All learning resources are only available in the Learning Management System (LMS).


Assessment

 

The assessments for the three modules [Training Needs and Analysis (TNA), Develop Curriculum and Instruction for Adult Learning Programme (DCI) & Develop and Review Competency-based Assessment (AD)] will be based on the project work done during practicum and learners are assessed by the practicum supervisor.

  • The TNA practicum assignment will be assessed before the commencement of the DCI & AD modules.
  • The DCI & AD practicum assignment will be assessed in an integrated manner.
  • Reflective practice (RP) will be assessed as the last module in DACE, so that learners will have the time and space to reflect on their learning journey by submitting their reflections through the e-portfolio throughout all the modules in DACE.
  • The rest of the modules will be assessed independently.

 

Entry Requirements


Applicants are required to possess the following:

  • Strong analytical and communication skills.
  • Completed WSQ Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) / WSQ Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance (ACLP).
  • Learners must secure a Practicum Host Organization (*PHO) before they enrol in the programme. 
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills in English with at least a B4 for English Language at GCE ‘O’ Level or Level 7 and above in Workplace Literacy (WPL) skills as stated in the Employability Skills WSQ framework.
  • Good IT and research skills.


The following documents will need to be submitted alongside the application:

  • Completed Letter of Consent (Word, 16KB) by the organisation hosting your practicum i.e., Practicum Host Organisation (PHO)*. The letter has to be signed by both you and your practicum host representative and verified by the organisation.
  • Documentary evidence of Level 7 literacy skills in the Employability Skills WSQ framework or minimum Grade B4 in GCE ‘O’ Level English.
  • WSQ Advanced Certificate in Training & Assessment (ACTA) / WSQ Advanced Certificate in Learning & Performance (ACLP) Certificate.

 

*Practicum Host Organisation (PHO) Requirements

  • The PHO should be of a sizeable scale to accommodate the DACE practicum requirements. 
  • This PHO must allow the learner to conduct a training needs analysis, and then use the training recommendations arising from the analysis to design & develop curriculum, courseware and assessment. 
  • For more information, please refer to this Presentation (PDF, 1.8MB) which applicants can share with prospective PHOs.

 

Credit Exemption

 

IAL recognises selected qualifications through credit exemption. 

To find out more on credit exemption for the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) programmes under the Training and Adult Education (TAE) framework, please click here.

 

Application Procedure

 

1.     All applications must be made online through MyIAL e-services.  

2.     Applicants are to ensure that they meet the entry requirements before proceeding to register for the course. 

3.     Applicants should have the following completed documents ready before proceeding with the online application:

  • WSQ Advanced Certificate in Training & Assessment (ACTA) / WSQ Advanced Certificate in Learning & Performance (ACLP) Certificate.
  • Completed Letter of Consent (Word, 16KB) by the organisation hosting your practicum i.e., Practicum Host Organisation (*PHO). The letter has to be signed by both you and your practicum host representative, and verified by the organisation.
  • Documentary evidence of Level 7 literacy skills in the WSQ Employability Skills System (ESS), or minimum Grade B4 in GCE ‘O’ Level English.

4.     IAL endeavours to inform applicants of the screening outcome within 5 working days upon receipt of the online application with completed documents. Incomplete document submission(s) may lead to longer processing times or rejection of application. 

 

 

Fees & Funding

Funding Type Programme Fee

Full Programme Fee

S$ 9,951.00

Singaporeans / Permanent Residents

S$ 2,985.30

 

(After 70% subsidy) 

Singaporeans (40 years old and above)

S$ 1,125.30

 

(After Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy [MCES]) 

Programme fee covers training and assessment. The fees are inclusive of prevailing GST and subject to change. IAL reserves the right to amend this information without prior notice.

For full details on the available funding schemes, click here.



Payment Advisory

 

Self-Sponsored

  • You will be prompted for course payment via eNets at the end of the registration process.
  • If you intend to use your SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) to offset the course fees, you may do so as part of the registration process. If you intend to use the SFC top-up (prior to 1 Oct 2020), do inform us as we would require you to fill in an application form for the claim. 
  • Please note to complete the balance payment during registration else your SFC application will be voided.

Company-Sponsored

  • Organisations sponsoring their employees will be invoiced at the end of the registration process. Payments may be made through either of the following:
  1. Interbank GIRO / Bank Transfer - Please credit fees to OCBC, Bank Code 7339, Branch Code 695, Account Number 695-632117-001. Please email the payment details including name, NRIC number and programme name to finance@ial.edu.sg.
  2. Cheque - Payable to “SUSS-IAL”. The cheque may be submitted or mailed to our office at 11 Eunos Road 8, #07-04 Lifelong Learning Institute, Singapore 408601. Please email the payment details including name, NRIC number and programme name to finance@ial.edu.sg.
  • For corporate runs / IAL’s clients, payments details will be aligned to the terms in the contract.
 

FAQs

There is no need to transit to DACE (2nd Version. Both DACE (1st version) and DACE (2nd version) qualification holders are recognised as WSQ Curriculum Developers under the Qualifications Requirements for WSQ Adult Educators.

To help you apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the modules, you are required to complete at least 30 hours of Practicum in a Practicum Host Organisation (PHO).

The PHO can be any business organisation, not necessarily a training organisation. As long as the PHO allows you to find out if there are training gaps among their staff, they will be suitable.

You will be required to locate your own PHO to facilitate your practicum. During the course of the Practicum, IAL will provide a supervisor to monitor and assess your performance in the host organisation.

For more information, please refer to this Presentation which you can share with prospective PHOs.

You are also to complete and get your PHO to sign a Letter of Consent before applying for the course.

If you do not meet the requirements for English Language proficiencies as required by the programme that you are applying for, you are advised to take the Workplace Literacy (WPL) – Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and secure the ES WSQ WPL qualification for listening, speaking, reading and writing modalities. Please click here for more information.

You may also provide other documented evidences of your proficiency in English and / or  be required to attend an interview with IAL to ascertain your suitability for the programme.

You are strongly discouraged from changing practicum host organisation mid-way during practicum as this would have an impact on your assessment for the Training Needs and Analysis (TNA), Develop Curriculum and Instruction for Adult Learning Programme (DCI) & Develop and Review Competency-based Assessment (AD) modules.

In the event where there is a need to change PHO, please inform your IAL supervisor immediately.

You are expected to attend all the scheduled classroom training, complete all assignments and fulfil all assessment requirements including the Practicum.

You are also required to carry out your own research and self-study outside of training hours.

No, enrolment into the DACE programme is not automatic.

As the assumed skills and knowledge required for the programme are pitched at a fairly high level, it will be necessary to ascertain if you possess the appropriate level of competency to complete the DACE programme.

Advisory services to guide applicants on the necessary enrolment process are available.

All reschedule requests must be submitted to IAL 2 weeks before the commencement of the course. Reschedule requests that come mid-way through training has to be supported by valid reasons; substantiated by references as evidence; such as a doctor’s note; or a hospitalization chit. 

Please submit your request to reschedule your course at MyIAL. A non-refundable administrative fee of S$53.50 (inclusive of GST) applies for the request and the next available slot will be offered.

A maximum of 3 rescheduling for training and / or assessment requests are allowed (within the candidature period) per programme.

If you have already attended classes but wish to re-attend the module, full course fees will apply and you would not be eligible for funding under the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)’s guidelines. Do write in to IAL if there are any extenuating reasons for IAL to assess the appeal on re-enrolment.

Electives are pre-determined to their cohorts. There is no switching of electives between cohorts once the programme has commenced. Should you defer to a new cohort after the programme has commenced, your original elective schedule will be deferred to another cohort of the similar elective.